Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO range
Hi Larry, I went with the 150kHz option, personally. I'm not very good at CW, and was more interested in having the extra tuning range so I could tune around and listen. The 80kHz does give you finer-tuning on the dial but personally I'd rather have the wider range. I find it just takes a careful gentle touch on the dial, but it is not hard to tune very precisely even with the 150kHz option. I think it's really a matter of personal preference. Of course, the great thing is you can build for either option, and if you don't like it, you can always go back and change it later! 73 de Stephanie va3uxb I am building the K1 with the 4 band filter board. I am at the step where I must decide which VFO range to choose, 150 kHz or 80 kHz. I am new to HF and don't have the experience to make an educated choice here. I would like to hear from those who have built this receiver and why they made the choice they did. I have tried searching the archives but for some reason I am not getting any hits. Thanks for your replies, Larry KB5DXY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO range
Larry wrote >I am building the K1 with the 4 band filter board. I am at the step >where I must decide which VFO range to choose, 150 kHz or 80 kHz. >I would like to hear from those who have built this receiver and why >they made the choice they did. Larry, I've used the 170 kHz (that's what you'll actually get) VFO span on my K1 for the last five years. With the small mod described below, I find it very easy to control. It allows me to cover all of the 40m CW band, and to get 10 MHz WWV on the 30m band. It also allows coverage of most of the CW portion of 15m, which will be more valuable when the solar cycle starts to pick up again in a few years. You'll be able to tune about 20 kHz into the lower part of the 40m phone segment. Since the K1 receiver always functions in LSB mode, it would be possible to have cross-mode QSOs at the lower end of 40m, should the need arise. You will get responses stating how quickly the K1 tunes with the larger span, but 17 kHz/turn is *not* a very rapid tuning rate. What I think most of these folks are actually experiencing is a problem that results from the the VFO potentiometer shaft having very very little resistance to rotation. It is very easy to cause unintended dial adjustment as you remove your fingers from the knob. With a 80 kHz span, the effects of this are far less apparent. The solution is simple. Get a sheet of thin felt material and cut several circular, holed, "washers" which can be laid around the VFO pot shaft, between the back of the VFO knob and the front of the panel. Add just enough layers until you get a very slight resistance to motion, while the knob still remains easy and smooth to turn. Then it will be very easy to let go of the knob without introducing unwanted changes. I would never go back to 80 kHz. 73, Mike / KK5F K1 #175 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO range
Mike Morrow wrote: Larry wrote I am building the K1 with the 4 band filter board. I am at the step where I must decide which VFO range to choose, 150 kHz or 80 kHz. I would like to hear from those who have built this receiver and why they made the choice they did. I've used the 170 kHz (that's what you'll actually get) VFO span on my K1 for the last five years. With the small mod described below, I find it very easy to control. It allows me to cover all of the 40m CW band, and to get 10 MHz WWV on the 30m band. It also allows coverage of most of the CW portion of 15m, which will be more valuable when the solar cycle starts to pick up again in a few years. You'll be able to tune about 20 kHz into the lower part of the 40m phone segment. Since the K1 receiver always functions in LSB mode, it would be possible to have cross-mode QSOs at the lower end of 40m, should the need arise. I wonder why I have never seen any mods where a vernier dial has been added to the K1 unit? Reasons...??? -- GB & 73's KA5OAI Sam Morgan ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO range
. > I wonder why I have never seen any mods where a vernier dial has been added to > the K1 unit? Reasons...??? > > -- > GB & 73's > KA5OAI > Sam Morgan = The K1 already has a digital dial so I think you mean a vernier drive. Remember that the K1 is tuned with a ten turn pot so that is, in effect, a vernier drive. I started out with 80 khz but changed to 170 khz so I could use the K1 in the novice band to work the skcc gang at 7022 khz. As Mike said, 17 khz per rev. is not a bad tuning rate. I think the top of the line rigs of my youth used 20 or 25 khz rates and that was considered ideal. The only difference, these rigs had larger tuning knobs and a little more friction. I have installed my K2 tuning knob on the K1 and I like it very much. It just clears the clear plastic cover for the readout. It is larger and has brass weights inside. I had to ream out the K2 knob with a Dremel tool in my drill press. The K1 shaft is 1/4 inch and the K2 shaft is 6mm. Then I had to spring for a new knob for the K2. About $26 with shipping. They told me the brass weight is the reason for the high cost. I also tried a Sierra knob. The same size as the K2 knob but no weight. Also, no need to drill out as already 1/4 inch. It worked well but I like the K2 knob better. I am using the metal shaft 10 turn pot on my K1. Its a little nicer but not alot of difference. It may support the heavier knob better. Rick Dettinger K7MW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO range
Mike Morrow wrote: Larry wrote I am building the K1 with the 4 band filter board. I am at the step where I must decide which VFO range to choose, 150 kHz or 80 kHz. I would like to hear from those who have built this receiver and why they made the choice they did. Larry, I've used the 170 kHz (that's what you'll actually get) VFO span on my K1 for the last five years. With the small mod described below, I find it very easy to control. It allows me to cover all of the 40m CW band, and to get 10 MHz WWV on the 30m band. It also allows coverage of most of the CW portion of 15m, which will be more valuable when the solar cycle starts to pick up again in a few years. You'll be able to tune about 20 kHz into the lower part of the 40m phone segment. Since the K1 receiver always functions in LSB mode, it would be possible to have cross-mode QSOs at the lower end of 40m, should the need arise. You will get responses stating how quickly the K1 tunes with the larger span, but 17 kHz/turn is *not* a very rapid tuning rate. What I think most of these folks are actually experiencing is a problem that results from the the VFO potentiometer shaft having very very little resistance to rotation. It is very easy to cause unintended dial adjustment as you remove your fingers from the knob. With a 80 kHz span, the effects of this are far less apparent. The solution is simple. Get a sheet of thin felt material and cut several circular, holed, "washers" which can be laid around the VFO pot shaft, between the back of the VFO knob and the front of the panel. Add just enough layers until you get a very slight resistance to motion, while the knob still remains easy and smooth to turn. Then it will be very easy to let go of the knob without introducing unwanted changes. I would never go back to 80 kHz. 73, Mike / KK5F K1 #175 Thanks for the info. With what you have said along with other responses I am going to set up my K1 for 170 kHz. Larry KB5DXY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO range
I built mine originally for 80 khz. With the bands changing and wanting coverage past 7080 on 40 meters, I redid mine for 150 Khz. It is a bit toucher to tune now but much better coverage. I have a 2 band card I built for 160 and 80 meters which resides in my K1 with the coming of good conditions on 160. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: "Larry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 5:33 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 VFO range | I am building the K1 with the 4 band filter board. I am at the step | where I must decide which VFO range to choose, 150 kHz or 80 kHz. I am | new to HF and don't have the experience to make an educated choice here. | I would like to hear from those who have built this receiver and why | they made the choice they did. | | I have tried searching the archives but for some reason I am not getting | any hits. | | Thanks for your replies, | | Larry | KB5DXY | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.10/459 - Release Date: 9/29/2006 | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO Range Question
You really don't need to change the crystal, unless you want to receive WWV @ 10 mHZ. It would be easier to leave the crystal as it is, in case you go back. As for the filters, if you leave them alone nothing will change on the band segments you currently use. On 40 meters, you may want to peak the filter a little higher at maybe 7.070 mHz. Since you probably won't use the extended range on the other bands, you can leave them be. It is a bit touchy to tune, but then I like the ability to get to the old 40 novice band. If you just do the VFO, it is easy to go back. If you like the change and want WWV, you can do the crystal later. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K1-VFO-Range-Question-tp4580754p4581499.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO Range Question
I really like the ability to get up higher and also like the "fast qsy" ability that the wider range gives you. Some feel that its a bit fiddly and you have to turn the knob a bit too finely but I honestly kinda like the speed of the knob and I also like being able to pick up WWV to verify my frequency counter and determine if I need to cal it again. ~Brett On Tue, Feb 16, 2010 at 7:17 AM, wrote: > I built my K1 awhile ago with a VFO range of 80 kHz, also a 4 band filter and > 2 band filter. > With recent increase in QRM levels on 7030-7040+-, am considering expanding > the range to 150 kHz. > This will allow me to work the old Novice segment on 40M. Seems the only > change needed is the band crystal for 30M on the filter board and one > capacitor on the RF board. Noting the caution in the > manual about using wider range with the 4 band filter am wondering what other > folk's experience > has been with the wider range. I'd hate to foul up what has been a wonderful > QRP rig. > > Thanks and 73, Curt KB5JO > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO Range Question
Hi Curt, I like the 150 kHz tuning range. Mine is actually 170 kHz, which, of course, gives an average rate of 17 kHz per revolution with the 10 turn pot. I think this is still slower than the top rigs of my youth, which we though was quite good. I don't remember hearing complaints about the Drake and Collins tuning rates, which, IIRC, was in the 20 kHz per turn range. Of course, they did have larger knobs. I put a K2 knob on my K1, but I don't think that was necessary. I had to ream the hole to 1/4 inch. It should be possible to come up with a capacitor size that would give a 125 kHz. range, which I think would be ideal for 40 meters, but I haven't tried that yet. 73, Rick Dettinger K7MW > I built my K1 awhile ago with a VFO range of 80 kHz, also a 4 band > filter and 2 band filter. > With recent increase in QRM levels on 7030-7040+-, am considering > expanding the range to 150 kHz. > This will allow me to work the old Novice segment on 40M. Seems > the only change needed is the band crystal for 30M on the filter > board and one capacitor on the RF board. Noting the caution in the > manual about using wider range with the 4 band filter am wondering > what other folk's experience > has been with the wider range. I'd hate to foul up what has been a > wonderful QRP rig. > > Thanks and 73, Curt KB5JO __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO Range Question
Hi! I've had an early (S/N) K1 since mid-2001; bought it already built from the original owner, has 80kHz bandwidth. Am I correct I just need to change C2 and re-peak the filter board to widen the range? Is tacking another cap in parallel practical? I'm also considering just re-aligning the VFO coverage to hit, say 7.030 or so and up, as my cw speed can't keep up with the faster ops below 7.025 or 14.025 anyway. Either way, any gotchas to look out for before I start disassembling a working rig to "fix" something that may not need fixing? I assume I have to remove the antenna tuner and 2-band filter board before I can work on the VFO. 73 de Steve KS1G -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K1-VFO-Range-Question-tp4580754p4595810.html Sent from the [K1] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO Range Question
Steve, All you need to do is tack an NPO capacitor in parallel with the 68 pF C2 - try different values until you find the range that yo want. After finding the range, then adjust the turns on L1 to place the lower end of the range where you want it. No other tuning should ge required, although you could re-peak the bandpass filters on transmit (use a low power level like 1.5 watts). If it is working well now, do not movethe adjustments far - just re-peak them. If you have the 4 band board, be certain to do the bands in the proper order - 30 meters before 40 and 15 (17) m before 20. Be aware that if you have the 30 meter band on that K1 you will lose coverage of most of the CW portion of 30 meters by moving the bottom of the range upward - all bands will move. 73, Don W3FPR Steve KS1G wrote: > Hi! I've had an early (S/N) K1 since mid-2001; bought it already built from > the original owner, has 80kHz bandwidth. Am I correct I just need to change > C2 and re-peak the filter board to widen the range? Is tacking another cap > in parallel practical? I'm also considering just re-aligning the VFO > coverage to hit, say 7.030 or so and up, as my cw speed can't keep up with > the faster ops below 7.025 or 14.025 anyway. Either way, any gotchas to > look out for before I start disassembling a working rig to "fix" something > that may not need fixing? I assume I have to remove the antenna tuner and > 2-band filter board before I can work on the VFO. > > 73 de Steve KS1G > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
